There is a slew of talent between all the custom builders that were on the stage at the Dog House. Recognize a few?
An All-Star list of custom motorcycle builders, industry leaders, and media gathered at the Dog House on Daytona’s Main St. to raise funds for
Soldiers’ Angels at the Biker Fusion party Thursday night. Proceeds from this year’s event underwrite backpacks for the Black Hawk Medevacs and wounded soldiers in Afghanistan. The backpacks contain amenities like blankets, sweat pants, hoodies, toiletries and phone cards for wounded soldiers who have undergone emergency evacuation from a combat area.
“It might be from some random stranger in America, but you know that somebody is thinking about you,” said a Staff Sergeant just back from serving overseas.
A host of electric guitars and customized skateboard decks were on the auction block to raise funds for the cause. Post cards to soldiers were also offered as a fundraiser, and for a donation, buyers got to write a message that will be sent to soldiers who are in need of a few encouraging words from back home.
“We’re all here to support our troops,” said Seminole leader Max Oceola. He would back his statement with a $10,000 donation from the Seminole Tribe of Florida.
Russell Mitchell and Ami James work the crowd as they auction off guitars to benefit Soldiers Angels.
Another shining moment was when
Chopper Inc.’s Billy Lane donated a 1976 Harley-Davidson Shovelhead that he’s had ‘forever’ to Leon, a two-tour Vietnam vet.
“Ahh, man, that is something else,” Leon said. He then handed Billy a small token of his appreciation.
To get the festivities started on a proper note, one side of the crowd chanted “U.S,” while the other side shouted “Rocks.” Then Exile Cycles’ Russell Mitchell and Love Hate Choppers’ Ami James took the stage to begin the bidding wars. The first item on the block, a skateboard deck with wicked custom paint that would be signed by the custom builders in attendance, sold for $700. An electric guitar that Billy Lane customized sold for $1500.
There were a long list of sponsors from varying
Did I mention there was a bikini contest afterwards? The lucky judges in the background are soldiers back from serving their tours in the Gulf.
backgrounds, including Baker Drivetrain and Wild Turkey. The spirit distiller donated a drink to everybody in the house, only asking that people tip the Wild Turkey girls as they walked around distributing shots, with the money going to Soldiers’ Angels.
The celebrity list of attendees on hand to support the cause was long. I saw Bert Baker sharing a laugh with Eddie Trotta, and as Billy arrived on his trademark rat bike and parked it in front of the stage, famed motorcycle photographer Michael Lichter was the first to greet him. Other notable faces I recognized in the crowd included Christian Clayton, Eddie Decker, Matt Hotch, Cyril Huze, Eddie Trotta and many more. As the total funds raised by the event approached the $20,000 mark, it proves once again that the motorcycling community has big hearts despite their gruff exteriors and bad reputations.
For more on the coverage of Daytona Bike Week, check out Motorcycle USA's 2009 Daytona Bike Week Page.
